dramatic irony
US /drəˌmæt.ɪk ˈaɪ.rə.ni/
UK /drəˌmæt.ɪk ˈaɪ.rə.ni/
1.
a literary device where the audience's or reader's knowledge of events or individuals surpasses that of the characters in the narrative, creating a sense of tension or anticipation.
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The play uses dramatic irony when the audience knows the killer's identity, but the characters do not.
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Shakespeare's tragedies often feature dramatic irony, building suspense for the audience.